MTP Act permits abortion only up to?

NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Forensic Nursing & Indian laws

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Act, 2021, introduced a significant change by extending the upper gestational limit for abortion.
For special categories of women, including survivors of sexual assault, minors, and women with disabilities, the permissible period for termination was increased from 20 weeks to 24 weeks.
This makes 24 weeks the new upper limit for these specific, vulnerable groups, which is a key update tested in examinations.

Option A: This was the upper limit under the original MTP Act of 1971. While it still applies as the general limit for women not falling into special categories, it is not the maximum permissible limit under the amended act.
Option C: 28 weeks is often considered the age of fetal viability, but it is not a legally defined upper limit for abortion under the MTP Act.
Option D: 30 weeks is an incorrect value and does not correspond to any specific gestational limit mentioned in the MTP Act or its amendments.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The question tests the knowledge of the gestational age limits for abortion as per the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Act, 2021 as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be aware of the current legal framework of the MTP Act to provide accurate information, counseling, and support to patients seeking termination of pregnancy.
Understanding the specific provisions for vulnerable populations (e.g., rape survivors, minors) is crucial for patient advocacy and ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services.
What if? If a 22-week pregnant woman who is a survivor of sexual assault seeks an abortion, the nurse should know that she is eligible under the extended 24-week limit and requires the opinion of two Registered Medical Practitioners.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question is asking about a specific law: the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.
Recognize that such legal questions often test knowledge of the most recent amendments. The key amendment is the MTP Amendment Act, 2021.
Recall the main changes introduced by the 2021 amendment, particularly the extension of the gestational limit.
Differentiate between the general limit (20 weeks) and the extended limit for special categories (24 weeks).
Since the question asks for the upper limit permitted by the Act and includes 24 weeks as an option, select it as it represents the maximum limit for a significant group of women under the new law.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The question tests the knowledge of the gestational age limits for abortion as per the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Act, 2021.
Stem keywords: MTP Act, abortion, permits
Lead-in keywords: only up to

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